Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Overview
The Eastern lookout on Muttonbird Island offers spectacular views of the Solitary Islands and is great spot for whale watching in the heart of Coffs Harbour. You can learn more about the area's Aboriginal cultural significance and the muttonbirds on a guided Discovery tour or school excursion.
Read more about Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
No visit to Coffs Harbour is complete if you haven’t been to Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. Also know as Giidany Miirlarl, this precious seabird rookery at Coffs Harbour’s heart is enveloped by spectacular views from coast to islands.
Muttonbird Island is a great spot for watching birds up close; it’s one of the only easily-accessible places in NSW where the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater nests. It is also an important Aboriginal place, harbouring stories of the Dreaming and a wealth of traditional resources.
It’s a great place to take a short walk, and the unforgettable views will be well worth your effort. The best way to find out more about the Aboriginal stories of Muttonbird is on an award-winning guided Muttonbirds by Moonlight tour conducted by local Gumbaynggirr rangers.
If the guided tour is not available you can always download the Island sanctuary audio tour in our NPWS app and walk take a stroll with Matt Flanders sharing the culture and history of the island via your headphones.
You can also take a virtual tour of Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Highlights in this park
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Eastern Side lookout
The Eastern Side lookout offers spectacular views of the Solitary Islands. A short walk from the carpark, it’s a great place for whale watching in the...
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An island sanctuary self-guided audio tour
Go on a self-guided audio tour with Matt Flanders across Muttonbird Island and discover the significance of this bustling seabird rookery. Take in the...
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Muttonbird Island Outdoor learning space
Explore Aboriginal history and Dreamtime stories at Giidany Miirlarl, also known as Muttonbird Island, near Coffs Harbour.
Whale watching top spots
NSW national parks have the best vantage points to see whales during their annual migration, which takes place from May to November. Plan your next coastal adventure.
An island sanctuary self-guided audio tour
Go on a self-guided audio tour across Muttonbird Island and discover the significance of this bustling seabird rookery. As you walk, you'll learn about the shearwaters who have been nesting here for thousands of years.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Contact
- in the North Coast region
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Coffs Harbour office
02 6652 0900
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. - 4/32 Edgar St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
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Email: npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Coffs Harbour office